SIR Alex Ferguson has vowed that Manchester United's collective spirit will get them through one of the toughest runs of fixtures he can ever remember.

After a two-week international break, the Old Trafford outfit are back together again and fully focused on the three-week programme which will probably determine whether they will have to open the trophy cabinet again this summer.

Today's encounter with fierce north west rivals Liverpool, is followed immediately by a trip to Champions League holders Real Madrid and, on United's return from Spain, visits to fellow title chasers Newcastle and Arsenal before another meeting with Real to decide who advances into the last four of Europe's prestigious club competition.

Even for a side used to operating at the highest levels of the game, winning that lot is a tough ask. However, with their hopes of glory at home and abroad resting on the outcome, it's a challenge which has to be met.

"Looking back, I can't remember having to play five important games like these in such a short spell," admitted Ferguson.

"It really is a great time because these are the games you want to enjoy.

"We are back together again now and the important thing is to remain strong and approach the games as a collective unit.

"I am sure the matches will be hard but the opposition will find them hard as well and our squad has the ability, character and experience to handle it."

United are lifted by the return of Roy Keane, who has missed the last five games with a hamstring problem.

However, Juan Sebastian Veron has still not recovered from the knee injury he picked up against Leeds at the beginning of last month and Ferguson admitted the &#xA3;28.1m Argentine has only a `slight chance' of playing in the Bern-abeu Stadium on Tuesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the man most likely to make way for Keane's return, with Mikael Silvestre set to be recalled in preference to John O'Shea as the Red Devils chief makes a couple of changes to the side which briefly went top with a win over Fulham a fortnight ago.

A place at the Premiership summit is also the prize on offer today, even if Arsenal will recapture the position they currently occupy with a victory at Aston Villa in a match which will start less than an hour after United have finished.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's Emile Heskey - ousted from the England side by Wayne Rooney on Wednesday - has been given a vote of confidence by Gerard Houllier.

Liverpool's Heskey suffered as the clamour for Everton youngster Rooney to be given his England shirt grew.

But the Anfield chief, who could be without top scorer Michael Owen with the back injury he received playing in midweek for England, said of Heskey, "I am backing Emile 100 per cent. We still have seven games to play and he will play in all seven.

"I think the criticism he received was unfortunate because he always works hard for the team, makes goals and eases the workload for his strike partner.

"Emile's team-mates know the work he puts in and he does a fantastic job for the team - he is a team player who is involved in a lot of goals.

"We like him, I like him and I'm pleased with his contribution to the team."

Houllier continued, "Emile will play from the start against United. His team-mates know the work he does, he does a fantastic job for the team.

"He's a team worker and team player and he makes goals - he made England's first one against Liechtenstein and he makes a lot of goals for us.

"We are pleased with what he does. I would admit he had a difficult period after the World Cup, but since the new year he has done very well."

Heskey could well find himself partnering Milan Baros at Old Trafford after Houllier revealed, "Michael Owen is doubtful and we will wait until tomorrow.

"You always want to have your best players for a big game, but we have a squad and players who will be given a big opportunity to show what they can do."